Who is revered as the "Pitamaha of Karnataka Sangeeta" (Grandfather of Carnatic Music) for systematizing its pedagogy and devotional compositions?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Purandara Dasa.
Explanation:
☛ Purandara Dasa (1484–1564) is universally revered as the "Sangeeta Pitamaha" (Grandfather of Carnatic Music) for his immense contributions to Indian classical music.
☛ He systematized the teaching methodology of Carnatic music by designing foundational graded exercises such as Sarali Varisai, Janti Varisai, Alankaras, and Geethams.
☛ He introduced Mayamalavagowla as the basic raga for beginners, a practice followed in Carnatic music education to this day.
☛ He was a leading saint-composer of the Haridasa movement and composed thousands of devotional songs in Kannada using the pen name (mudra) "Purandara Vittala".
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Purandara Dasa's early life: Born as Srinivasa Nayaka, he was a wealthy diamond merchant before renouncing worldly wealth to become a disciple of Vyasathirtha.
☛ Tyagaraja: One of the celebrated Trinity of Carnatic Music (along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri), famous for the monumental Pancharatna Kritis.
☛ Annamacharya: A 15th-century Telugu saint-composer revered as "Pada-kavita Pitamaha", renowned for composing thousands of sankirtanas dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
☛ Basavanna: A 12th-century philosopher, statesman, and social reformer in Karnataka who led the Sharana movement and expressed devotional philosophy through Vachana literature.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which raga was introduced by Purandara Dasa as the foundation scale for beginners in Carnatic music? → Mayamalavagowla
☛ Which three maestros are collectively known as the "Trinity of Carnatic Music"? → Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri
☛ What was the signature pen name (ankita mudra) used by Purandara Dasa in his compositions? → Purandara Vittala
☛ Who is revered as the "Pada-kavita Pitamaha" of Telugu literature and music? → Tallapaka Annamacharya
☛ The Vachana devotional movement in 12th-century Karnataka was spearheaded by which social reformer? → Basavanna